Q: My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease a few years ago. She’s now at the point where she needs someone with her during the days that I’m at work but I’m uneasy about interviewing home care companies. Are there specific things I should inquire about in terms of how they care for those with Alzheimer’s Disease or dementia? How do I know she’ll be safe?
Margaret Smith, Providence
A: First, it would be wise to make sure that she’s still at the point where she’s can be cared for safely at home. Does she wander easily? Is her behavior agressive? Does she leave the stove on or put herself in danger? Your doctor or a registered nurse can make an assessment about your mom’s safety and advise you about the care option they feel would be best for her. If it is home care, some home care agencies have Alzheimer’s support staff that can be invaluable not only to your mother, but also to you and the rest of your family. You should also inquire about staffing. Would she have a regular caregiver or would they change regularly? Consistent assignment is especially important with those with cognitive impairment to keep confusion to a minimum.
Q: I’m considering purchasing long term care insurance but do I really need it? Doesn’t Medicaid and Medicare pick up most of the cost of care?
Corinne Ruggerio, East Providence
A: Medicaid typically covers the cost of long term care for financially impoverished individuals and Medicare covers services up to the first 30 days following a hospital stay. Without knowing what your future needs may be, you should be aware that the right long term care policy while provide an extra safeguard if you don’t meet the qualifications for Medicaid or Medicare. Also, Medicare and Medicaid financing is changing every year so there’s no telling what will and won’t be available when you need it.
Q: My mother lives in Rhode Island and I live out of state. Her doctor recently said she needed home care services following a hospital stay but the agencies she called had long wait times before she could receive care – in one case up to two weeks. Is that standard?
Irene Fitzgerald, Foster
A: It shouldn’t be. You should be able to contract with a home care agency immediately. You certainly shouldn’t have to wait more than a day to receive a home visit. If the agency you’re calling, can’t accommodate that, keep looking, there are others out there!
David DiFilippo is the owner of Concord Home Health Services, which specializes in in-home personal assistance such as errands, light housekeeping, and medication management, as well as skilled nursing services and rehabilitation. The company has three divisions: Concord Companion Services, Concord Visiting Nurses and Milestone Rehabilitation. Submit questions to kparkcompass@trmcomm.com.